Some of the best views in the Canadian Rockies can be enjoyed from the top of Sulphur Mountain. Take the Banff Gondola to the summit. The eight-minute ride offers spectacular views from a glass-enclosed cabin. The Summit Complex at the end of the gondola ride has restaurants, a gift shop and multiple viewing platforms. Look out over six different mountain ranges, through valleys and down onto the town of Banff.The gondola leaves from the base of the mountain about five minutes outside town. It runs throughout the year. Come in summer, when the sun shines and wildlife roams the mountain. The view is no less impressive in winter, when the landscape is covered in a blanket of pristine white snow. In winter, come prepared for sub-zero temperatures and strong winds, and it can still be cold and windy at the summit in summer.Each glass-enclosed gondola seats four people and offers 360-degree views for the whole ride. The Summit Complex is 7,486 feet (2,281 meters) above sea level.Go inside to warm up in one of two restaurants. Both have glass walls to make the most of the scenery.Take a short walk along the ridge for more photo opportunities. A half-mile (800-meter) wooden walkway runs along the summit ridge to the Sanson’s Peak Meteorological Station. Norman Sanson was a local who hiked the mountain once a week for 30 years to check the weather. There’s not much to see at the station itself, but the views across the mountains are spectacular. It’s often less crowded than the gondola Summit Complex.A second trail runs south from the complex to the mountain’s true summit, but only experienced hikers should attempt the rocky climb.The gondola runs every day of the year, except during scheduled maintenance. Buses and taxis run from Banff to the base of the gondola, and there’s ample parking.
Banff Gondola Tours
Visit Banff Gondola
Banff Gondola Travel Guide Video
Plan a trip to see Banff Gondola
Browse tours and tickets to explore Banff Gondola
Tours & day trips
See all 121 activitiesOpens in new tabBanff: Banff Gondola Admission Ticket
Private & custom tours
See all 25 activitiesOpens in new tabSelf-Guided Audio Tours for the Canadian Rockies
Wildlife & nature
See all 11 activitiesOpens in new tabIn-Depth Lake Louise & Yoho N.P & *Moraine Lake Day Tour
Food, drink & nightlife
See all 7 activitiesOpens in new tabBanff & Yoho & Kootenay: Three N.P Tour with Lake and Canyon
Winter activities
See all 6 activitiesOpens in new tabBanff Performance Ski Rental Including Delivery
Reviews of Banff Gondola
2/5 - Disappointing
It was closed for maintenance.
5/5 - Excellent
Dress very warmly on cool days and take a windbreaker and warm jacket
4/5 - Good
We walked up and down. It took us 1 hour 45 minutes to walk up. Gondola ride is expensive ($73!!).
4/5 - Good
This is not cheap and be prepared to walk quite a ways from where you park if going during holiday weekends. The views were definitely fantastic, but if you're in reasonable shape, you may as well save the $70 CAD and hike to the top.
5/5 - Excellent
Bring a selfie stick-- as much as I hate to admit, it was a life saver for photos. Get there really early or go later in the day. and TAKE. THE. SHUTTLE. Don't drive. The shuttle and public transit is SO much more convenient and relaxing.
4/5 - Good
Nice, but photographers be aware that the stunning panorama stretched out below you will be condensed into a distant line of tiny mountains by your wide angle lens or iphone and the resulting images left unimpressive. You need to get up close for a sense of scale, so put a 400mm tele in your bag for an epic shot of Lake Louise and the glacier above it (unlike from the lake, the glacier can be seen properly from up here).
Popular places to visit
Upper Hot Springs
Rejuvenate your body in the geothermal waters of these historic hot springs while admiring the exquisite views of Banff National Park.
Minnewanka Loop / Lake Johnson
Explore the great outdoors at Minnewanka Loop / Lake Johnson and enjoy the mountain views during your trip to Banff. Amble around the area's lakeside or seek out the ski slopes.
Central Park
Enjoy the mountain views and explore Central Park, a lovely green space in Banff. Amble around the area's lakeside or seek out the ski slopes.
Banff Springs Golf Club
Play a round of golf in Banff at Banff Springs Golf Club, and enjoy other activities such as skiing. Stroll along the riverfront or discover the area's mountain views.
Cave and Basin National Historic Site
Discover thermal springs, panoramic views and beautiful walking trails while learning about natural wonders and the history of Parks Canada.
Sulphur Mountain
Explore the great outdoors at Sulphur Mountain and enjoy the mountain views during your trip to Banff. Stroll along the lakeside or seek out the ski slopes.
Best Lodging Options Near Banff Gondola
Check availability on hotels close to Banff Gondola
- Vacations and getaways similar to Banff Gondola
- Other Hotels near Banff Gondola, Sulphur Mountain District
- Hotels near popular Banff Attractions
- More Hotel Options in Banff Gondola
- Expedia's Latest Trends
- Upper Hot Springs
- Banff National Park Information Centre
- Banff Lake Louise Tourism Bureau
- Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity
- Mount Norquay Ski Resort
- Tunnel Mountain
- Fairmont Banff Springs Bowling Centre
- Banff Springs Golf Club
- Sulphur Mountain
- Cave and Basin National Historic Site
- Vermilion Lakes
- Mt. Norquay
- Bow Falls
- Cascade Ski Lift
- Minnewanka Loop / Lake Johnson
- Tunnel Mountain Resort
- Banff Ptarmigan Inn
- Fairmont Banff Springs Gold Experience
- Douglas Fir Resort and Chalets
- Hidden Ridge Resort
- Banff Aspen Lodge
- Hotel Canoe and Suites
- Peaks Hotel and Suites
- Rundlestone Lodge
- A Peaceful Mountain Retreat in one of Banff's Most Elegant Homes
- Banff's Finest Guest Studio
- Charltons Banff
- Hotels near Banff National Park
- Hotels near Upper Hot Springs
- Hotels near Sunshine Village
- Hotels near Banff National Park Information Centre
- Hotels near Banff Lake Louise Tourism Bureau
- Hotels near Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity
- Hotels near Mount Norquay Ski Resort
- Hotels near Tunnel Mountain
- Hotels near Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park
- Hotels near Silvertip Golf Course
- Hotels near Canmore Caverns
- Hotels near Lake Minnewanka
- Hotels near Fairmont Banff Springs Bowling Centre
- Hotels near Banff Springs Golf Club
- Hotels near Sulphur Mountain
- Hotels near Cave and Basin National Historic Site
- Hotels near Grassi Lakes
- Hotels near Vermilion Lakes
- Hotels near Mt. Norquay
- Hotels near Bow Falls